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Drawing parallels between “Shōgun” and “Succession” rather than “Game of Thrones” may not seem intuitive at first glance. After all, no one is slain in “Succession,” and the series deliberately steers clear of delineating clear-cut heroes. However, “Shōgun,” despite an array of characters with shades of grey, still manages to portray figures like Blackthorne, Toranaga, and notably Mariko in a light that encourages viewers to empathize with them. They are crafted with layers that invite audience sympathy, unlike the characters in “Succession” who, despite possibly gaining viewer allegiance, are continually showcased as deeply flawed, if not downright loathsome individuals.
Yet, it is in the intricate play of language that the comparison between “Succession” and “Shōgun” holds water. “Succession” is a narrative battleground where the weapon of choice is wordplay and each line of dialogue demands the audience’s undivided attention for fear of missing a pivotal character or plot development. It expects the viewers to discern the multitude of meanings behind even the simplest affirmations, depending on their context.
In a similar vein, “Shōgun” enthralls the wordsmith with its dramatic orchestra of deceit and half-truths. Englishman Blackthorne often finds himself lying to the Japanese Toranaga, with Mariko, a bridge between cultures, strategically deciding in the moment what to translate faithfully and what to subtly alter. Her character, though not overtly deceitful, is illuminated even in her supposed neutrality. Both shows render each uttered word as a pivot upon which the story turns.
FAQ: Insights Into “Shogun” and Its Directorial Choices
- Why doesn’t “Shōgun” align with “Game of Thrones” as a comparison?
Unlike “Game of Thrones,” which often pivots around grand themes of power struggles and character archetypes with clear moral delineations, “Shōgun” offers characters that are more relatable and humanized, though morally complex. - How do the character dynamics in “Shōgun” differ from those in “Succession”?
While “Shōgun” presents characters that viewers are meant to empathize with despite their moral ambiguity, “Succession” portrays its cast with an unapologetic view of their deeply flawed natures, not necessarily seeking to invoke the audience’s sympathy. - What makes “Shōgun” a “wordsmith’s dream come true”?
“Shōgun” revels in the subtlety of its linguistic exchanges where every word and its translation can have significant consequences, reflecting the cultural nuances and tactical deceptions between the characters.
Conclusion
Director Jonathan Van Tulleken’s assessment of “Shōgun” distinguishes the show from more conventional comparisons with “Game of Thrones” and positions it closer to the cerebral narrative approach of “Succession.” The significance Van Tulleken places on the power of language in storytelling is a testament to his perception of “Shōgun” as a series where dialogue is not merely a vehicle for exposition but a strategic tool wielded by the characters within a meticulously woven power play. This detail in the craftsmanship of “Shōgun” is what seemingly elevates the show to a fine art of narrative complexity and subtlety.